Is A 24V 280Ah LiFePO4 Battery Suitable For Heavy-Duty Pallet Jacks?

A 24V 280Ah LiFePO4 battery can be suitable for heavy-duty pallet jacks if its discharge rate, cycle life, and physical dimensions align with the equipment’s operational demands. LiFePO4 chemistry offers high current output (e.g., 10C continuous discharge) and long cycle life, critical for intensive material handling. However, verify compatibility with the pallet jack’s motor controller and voltage tolerance to avoid inefficiencies or safety risks.

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What discharge rates do heavy-duty pallet jacks require?

Heavy-duty pallet jacks typically need 5–10C continuous discharge rates to handle high-torque lifting and frequent starts/stops. LiFePO4’s 10C capability supports peak currents up to 2,800A (for 280Ah), ensuring stable operation under load.

Pallet jacks in industrial settings often face abrupt load changes, requiring batteries to deliver instant power without voltage sag. LiFePO4’s flat discharge curve maintains 24V output even at 80% depth of discharge (DoD), unlike lead-acid batteries that drop voltage rapidly. Pro Tip: Check the motor controller’s max amp draw—if it exceeds 2,800A, consider parallel battery configurations or higher C-rated cells. For example, a 24V 280Ah LiFePO4 pack powering a 2.5kW motor can sustain 104A continuous draw, leaving ample headroom for surge demands. But what if the system peaks at 300A? The battery’s 10C rating covers this, but cabling and connectors must also be rated for 300A+ to prevent overheating.

How does cycle life impact pallet jack uptime?

LiFePO4’s 2,000–5,000 cycle lifespan at 80% DoD reduces replacement frequency versus lead-acid’s 500–1,000 cycles. This minimizes downtime in 24/7 logistics operations.

Practically speaking, a pallet jack used twice daily would deplete a lead-acid battery in 8–12 months, whereas LiFePO4 lasts 3–5 years. Thermal stability also matters—LiFePO4 operates at -20°C to 60°C without performance cliffs, ideal for cold storage warehouses. Pro Tip: Implement partial-state-of-charge (PSOC) cycling (e.g., 30–80% SoC) to extend cycle life by 40%. For example, a 280Ah battery cycled between 84Ah and 224Ah daily retains 90% capacity after 4,000 cycles. But is this feasible for three-shift operations? Yes, with smart chargers that halt at 80% SoC during breaks.

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